The glorious legend of ‘Harlem in Havana’, a Black and Cuban traveling revue that endures racism, segregation and immigration laws to become popular in the 1940s through the 1960s, and the captivating man who created it - African American showman Leon Claxton, an entertainment pioneer who, earned millions and a place in history despite the insurmountable odds against him and his dreams.

SYNOPSIS:

JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton's Harlem in Havana - A documentary film by Leslie Cunningham

Step Right Up, Folks! The last remaining great show troupers are finally telling their stories about one of America’s most successful traveling shows that endures racial discrimination, state-sanctioned segregation and immigration laws to become popular in the 1940s through the 1960s. Also unearthed is the legend of millionaire African American showman, Leon Claxton, whose vision, passion and determination produced a stage show that still resonates today.

A magical journey into the complexities of American entertainment, racial history and family, JIG SHOW | LEON CLAXTONS HARLEM IN HAVANA is a compelling hour-long documentary film produced by director Leslie Cunningham which shines a spotlight on her grandfather’s presentation of Black and Cuban music, dance and comedy that played on the world’s largest carnival midway for nearly four decades of the 20th century. Documenting an expansive social impact that occurred at the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement, Leslie is on a mission to unearth this important history, reclaim her family's disregarded legacy and enrich the whole of our cultural knowledge before the memories die with the generation that carries them.

Filled with breathtaking never-before-digitized show photographs, the film utilizes various formats within one film- historical photographs, archived news clips and video footage, spoken word poetry, visual art and artful recreations. Videotaped interviews with a rare mixture of colorful cast members, including former performers, show patrons, art historians and Claxton family members, offer their first-hand accounts of the success of the show. Beautiful b-roll of Tampa, Florida, highlight the place where Harlem in Havana was headquartered for over 30 years. Classic and new Hip Hop music remembering the times highlight the long ride of the voluptuous showgirls and tenacious entertainers who showcased their talents on the front-line of racial polarization. Coming 2017.